By Dr David Sokoloff (Senior Osteopath/Head of Development)
Golf is a sport that transcends age, offering a unique blend of competition, camaraderie, and physical activity. For golf enthusiasts over the age of 50, the game is not just a pastime; it’s a way of life. However, as with any physical activity, golf comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of injuries.
In this blog post, we’ll explore two of the most common golfing injuries among golfers aged 50 and above, shedding light on their causes and providing valuable insights into prevention.
Rotator Cuff Injuries: The Swing’s Silent Nemsis
For golfers over 50, the golf swing is a delicate dance between power and precision, and the rotator cuff plays a pivotal role in this intricate movement. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing a wide range of motion.
Unfortunately, the repetitive nature of the golf swing, combined with the natural ageing process, makes the rotator cuff susceptible to injuries.
Causes:
Rotator cuff injuries in golfers over 50 often stem from weakness and stiffness in other areas of the body, poor swing mechanics, or a combination of both. In addition, as the body ages, the tendons lose some of their elasticity, making them more prone to tears or inflammation.
Prevention:
To safeguard against rotator cuff injuries, golfers over 50 should focus on maintaining mobility and strength through their hips, trunk and shoulders. Regular stretching routines and strength exercises can help improve the overall stability of the shoulder joint, as well as the rest of the kinetic chain, to offload the shoulder.
Moreover, having a professional look over your swing to optimise your swing mechanics can be an important step.
Lower back strain: the unseen toll of the fairway walk
While the golf swing captures much of the attention, the act of walking the course is an integral aspect of the game. For golfers over 50, the combination of swinging and walking can take a toll on the lower back, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.
Causes:
The biomechanics of the golf swing, particularly the rotational forces placed on the spine, can contribute to lower back strain. Additionally, the repetitive nature of walking the course, often while carrying a golf bag, can exacerbate existing back issues or create new ones.
Age-related changes in spinal discs and joints can further increase susceptibility to lower back injuries.
Prevention:
Golfers over 50 can take proactive steps to prevent lower back injuries by incorporating thoracic spine and hip mobility into their fitness routines. When the thoracic spine and hips are stiff, they ask for more motion from the lumbar spine, often leading to injury and pain.
Strengthening the abdominal muscles provides additional support to the lower back, reducing the risk of strain. In addition, Consider using a golf cart or investing in a lightweight golf bag with a stand to alleviate the physical demands of carrying clubs during the round.
Conclusion:
As golfers over 50 continue to enjoy the game they love, understanding and addressing common injuries become paramount.
By prioritizing proper fitness routines, seeking professional guidance on swing mechanics, and adopting preventive measures, these golf enthusiasts can ensure that the fairways remain a source of joy rather than a cause for physical discomfort. Ultimately, a mindful approach to health and wellness can keep golfers swinging well into their golden years.
Contact our friendly Osteo team at MOSIC. We can help you prevent or recover from your golfing injuries.
